Is your air conditioning acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.

The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.

While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that your AC needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket can also be the result of loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.

A noisy air conditioner also could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address the issue, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.

One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.

As with many air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Watts Electric & AC

If your air conditioner is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Watts Electric & AC for quality air conditioning repair in Columbia. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Columbia, the first-rate crew at Watts Electric & AC can help guide you through the process.